BJ's partners with Tioga Energy to add solar services

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Natick, Mass. BJ’s Wholesale Club said Tuesday that it has teamed with renewable energy supplier Tioga Energy to add four solar photovoltaic systems to its current roster of 12 rooftop installations in six states.

The first two rooftop systems, currently under construction at clubs in Leominster and South Attleboro, Mass., are scheduled for completion next month, with two additional projects in New Jersey to be completed in this summer.

The systems will be installed and financed through Power Purchase Agreements with Tioga, allowing the clubs to implement solar energy without upfront costs.

“Since the 90’s BJ’s has taken the smart business strategy of lowering electricity costs through solar power and energy efficiency measures,” said Kevin Moran, manager of energy at BJ’s Wholesale Club. “With Tioga Energy as a partner, we are able to take our commitment to solar to the next level, while managing first-cost installation hurdles and providing a hedge against future rate increases.”

“With their large, flat roofs, big-box stores lend themselves to solar power,” said Ian Bowles, secretary of energy and environmental affairs for Massachusetts. “I applaud BJ’s and Tioga Energy for stepping up the plate and taking on a leadership role in putting clean, renewable power to work in these stores -- reducing their use of electricity from fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to Massachusetts’s clean energy future.”

With these new installations online, BJ’s will have more than 2000 KW of solar power attributing to its lower and more predictable electricity costs, with the Leominster and South Attleboro installations at 308 KW and 344 KW, respectively and the New Jersey installations providing 409 KW and 500 KW.

Under the terms of the PPA, BJ’s Wholesale Club pays only for the electricity produced by the systems, while Tioga is responsible for installation, monitoring and maintenance.